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Volkswagen has presented its latest take on the iconic Beetle at the North American International Motor Show in Detroit.

Called the E-Bugster, the bodywork may look a tad 1950s retro thanks to the low roof line, but underneath everything is bang up to date thanks to an 85kW electric motor and 28.3kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

That's a combination VW reckons will get the electric Bug to 60mph in 10.9 seconds. Urban cycle range is said to be “at least” 110 miles.

A quick charge in 35 minutes is possible thanks to the new Combined Charging System developed in co-operation with Audi, BMW, Daimler, Porsche, Ford – the new Focus Electric will feature it - and GM.

This means you can charge the Bugster from either single-phase AC or high amperage DC sources through the same plug on the car avoiding the twin sockets built by Nissan into it's Leaf.

VW isn't saying if the two-seater will ever see production, but if nothing else it's a more interesting take on the Beetle than the various re-skinned VW Golfs we've seen to date. ®